Community
Information and links to other services
Parenting Support
Parent Line – http://www.parentline.org.au/
Parent Line is a free and confidential 24 hour telephone counselling, information and referral service for all NSW parents. Call 1300 1300 52 if you need help or advice with parenting.
Raising Children Network– http://raisingchildren.net.au/
Provides information that can help parents and carers with the day-to-day decisions of raising children, as well as looking after their own needs.
Parenting – Department of Family and Community Services http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/parents,-carers-and-families/parenting
Tips, advice and guidelines for parents and carers, from the Department of Family and Community Services.
Health Support
Healthy Kids– https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/
Information, resources and ideas on physical activity and healthy eating for children and young people, from the NSW Government.
NSW Health – A-Z Health Topics– http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pages/a2z.aspx
An A-Z listing of information on common health topics that may help you to understand the facts about various medical conditions.
NSW Health – Child and Family Services (Port Kembla Hospital and Kids Cottage Warilla)
https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Child_and_Family_Services/allied_health.asp
The Child & Family Service is a FREE service for children and their families. If your child is having difficulties in their development, we may be able to help by providing: Assessment, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy Programs, Counselling – Individual, Family and Group, Home Programs, Consultation with parents and other people involved with the child and Support for parents.
NSW Health – Public Dental Services – http://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Dental_Services/child.asp
Free dental care is available at NSW public dental clinics for all children under 18 years of age.
Occupational Therapy Australia – https://www.otaus.com.au/find-an-occupational-therapist
Occupational therapists provide assessment and intervention in sensory processing, gross and fine motor development and skills such as self-care and play. Find an occupational therapist in your area.
Speech Pathology Australia– https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/
Speech pathologists are allied health professionals with expertise in the assessment and treatment of communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Locate a speech pathologist near you.
Multicultural Support
Illawarra Multicultural Services– http://www.ims.org.au/
Provides information and help to migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants living in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, including multicultural supported playgroups and three Community Hubs in the Wollongong LGA located at Wollongong Public School, Wollongong West Public School and Warrawong Public School. The Hubs primary focus is on engaging with and supporting migrant and refugee women with pre-school aged children through the delivery of programs focusing on four key target areas: Engagement, English, Vocational Pathways and Early Years.
Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families (SCARF)– http://www.scarf1.org.au/
Volunteers provide support for newly arrived families, tutoring for young people, driving lessons; social enterprise projects.
Additional Needs or Early Intervention
Ability Links New South Wales – http://www.abilitylinksnsw.org.au/
Ability Links NSW Coordinators, known as Linkers, work closely with people with disability, their families and carers to support them to fulfil their goals, hopes and dreams.
Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)– https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/
Provides services, information and assistance to people on the autism spectrum and their families.
CareSouth– http://www.caresouth.org.au/
Provides accommodation, care and support services for children, young people and adults with disabilities and their families in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and far South Coast.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance– https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/
Supports children and adults with cerebral palsy in NSW and the ACT.
Early Childhood Early Intervention – How the NDIS can help your child https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/help-children-under-7
If your child is aged 0-6 years and has a disability, or if there are concerns with their development, they may be eligible to receive support from the NDIS.
Family Referral Services – Banardos Australia – http://www.barnardos.org.au/our-centres/family-referral-services/
Need support? Don’t know where to go? We link young people, children and families to culturally sensitive services wherever possible.
Interchange Illawarra– https://www.interchangeillawarra.org/
Offers flexible respite support to suit the individual needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families/carers in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.